One week before Cameroon’s training camp in Alavés, Spain, Samuel Eto’o is stepping up his push to attract dual-national talents and strengthen the Indomitable Lions ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The FECAFOOT president is banking on a local coach and a rejuvenated squad to reboot Cameroon’s football machine, despite mounting criticism. After failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup—falling short against Cape Verde and DR Congo—Cameroon approaches AFCON with uncertainty. Eto’o dismissed Belgian coach Marc Brys, imposed by the sports ministry, and appointed David Pagou, an award-winning Cameroonian manager familiar with the team. “No player will ever be above Cameroon,” declared the legend, sidelining stars like André Onana and Vincent Aboubakar. Nearly half of the current squad comprises dual nationals trained in Europe—a pragmatic step by Eto’o, who dreams of an 80% homegrown team within five years. This major shake-up, just three weeks before the tournament, has divided opinion. Pagou knows his players well and personifies the dream of a 100% Cameroonian technical staff, following the example of seven of the nine African teams that qualified for the World Cup. Eto’o cites precedent—the Ivory Coast won the 2024 AFCON after a last-minute coaching change. The Lions’ modest goal: a controversy-free tournament before aiming higher in a tough Group F featuring Gabon, Ivory Coast, and Mozambique. Bryan Mbeumo, Georges-Kévin Nkoudou, and Karl Etta Eyong will lead the attack, with Zambo Anguissa ruled out through injury. Beyond tactical choices, Eto’o is going on the offensive to secure dual nationals. Trained in Europe, these hesitant players are receiving powerful signals—a bold local project meant to convince them to don the indomitable shirt. Re-elected in November, the federation president insists on improving domestic football infrastructure to make Cameroon more attractive. “Today, every decision we make aims to ensure our players believe in their success here at home,” he said. Though tensions persist with Sports Minister Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, Eto’o remains focused on unity. The preparatory meeting in Yaoundé, where he was expected, highlighted the stakes vividly. Ambitious as ever, Eto’o warned: “At the next AFCON, we’re coming to win! Start preparing now.” Despite mockery about the so-called “Eto’o circus,” the Spanish camp marks the beginning of a targeted charm campaign. Dual nationals—vital to the current lineup—could well commit if convinced by the project. Cameroon, a five-time AFCON winner, aims to shine again in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. The real challenge: turning vulnerability into strength.